Whether you’re job hunting, career ladder climbing, or simply trying to stay afloat in your current job, you need to know how your online profiles reflect upon you as an employee. One bad entry or mis-tagged photo can get you in a world of trouble on the job front or, even worse, keep you from getting a job in the first place.

With the explosion in social media networking and the ability to publicize information on a global scale at the push of a button, the work of public relations professionals has never been so much in demand. Likewise, competition between people wanting to work in the field has grown considerably.

Social media can be a double-edged sword. Used wisely, it can be used as a way of impressing prospective employers. Conversely, there can be times when information on Social Media sites can count against you. Here is a look at them and why a job seeker should join them to create a strong personal brand.

Reports have shown that the increasing use of social media and internet resources is affecting the recruitment process, both from a job hunting perspective as well as a tool for employers to do background checks on potential candidates or even locate that perfect candidate for a replacement or to fill that newly created position.